Alleged Serial Car Thief Charged Over High-Tech Vehicle Thefts Across Melbourne

A 27-year-old Melbourne man has been charged with more than 60 offences after allegedly using electronic key reprogramming devices to steal at least 25 vehicles across the city’s east and southeast.

Police allege the man targeted cars parked at train station carparks as well as vehicles left in residential driveways and on suburban streets between September and January. The alleged offending spanned multiple suburbs including Malvern East, Hawthorn, Clayton, Pakenham, Ferntree Gully, Frankston, Narre Warren and Bayswater.

Detectives from the Maroondah Crime Investigation Unit arrested the Ringwood North man on 29 January after executing a search warrant at a local address. Investigators allegedly located a key mimicking device in his possession, along with seven stolen vehicles and seven sets of stolen registration plates found at the property and nearby locations.

Police claim the accused used third-party electronic tools to access vehicles through their on-board diagnostic ports, reprogram keys and drive the cars away without needing the original keys. The devices, while not illegal to own, have become increasingly accessible online and are believed to be contributing to a surge in car thefts.

The man has been charged with offences including theft of motor vehicle, burglary, criminal damage, unlicensed driving, going equipped to steal, committing an indictable offence while on bail, handling stolen goods and possessing drugs of dependence. He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 25 February. Police have indicated further charges may be laid.

Statewide intelligence suggests that up to one in four vehicles are now being stolen despite owners still retaining their keys, highlighting the growing role of electronic reprogramming technology in modern car theft. In the final four months of 2025 alone, police seized more than 300 key reprogramming devices from offenders.

Detective Sergeant Ryan Davis said police were working to hold offenders accountable but urged vehicle owners to take additional precautions. He recommended installing an on-board diagnostic port lock to prevent thieves from connecting reprogramming tools, describing the devices as affordable and easy to install. Parking off-street and ensuring vehicles are locked at all times were also advised as basic preventative measures.

Police say even small security upgrades could save motorists from significant financial loss if their vehicle is stolen.

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